To think many parents don't know what schools are like these days?

[AyeAyeShipAhoy]

It's something I've noticed quite a bit on many threads about teachers and schools. Some parents refer back to their own school days and use that to inform them as to what happens, but things have very much changed since I was at school.

As a teacher (primary) it's one of the hardest jobs I've done (this is my 2nd career, I was in management before so used to hard work and pressure). For one, the workload is huge and regularly spills into my evenings and weekends, affecting my own family time. Then there's the behaviour. But it's also one of the most rewarding jobs too and why I enjoy it.

The positives - a child that has struggled with a concept, getting it right and feeling proud of themselves, and knowing you made a difference. Supporting those kids who can struggle with their learning.

The negatives - being verbally abused - called a f*ing a*hole, cnt and a paedophile. Told to fuck off and been slapped and kicked and dodged flying objects thrown over the years.

I'll be honest, in my first career I never considered this was what was happening in schools. I remember being at school and kids doing low level stuff (humming, whole toilet rolls down the loo - this at secondary though - primary was fine!). It's been a real eye opener seeing what behaviour is like now.

So, teachers, what's your best and worst experiences.

And parents, how aware are you of what actually happens in schools and the workload? Are you aware? Or is this an eye-opener for you too?

PS I feel teaching is a hard job, but not THE hardest job, so this thread is not meant as a competition.

The negatives - being verbally abused - called a fing ahole, cnt and a paedophile. Told to fuck off and been slapped and kicked and dodged flying objects thrown over the years.

I’ve experienced this. I’ve worked in three schools - in poor areas and ‘naice’ ones. The abuse is worse in the apparently nicer areas. Not sure I’d believe it if I came across a teacher who has never experienced this. Don’t know a single one who hasn’t. I’ve had parents threaten that they’d wait by my car in the dark. Parents and children have become nastier over the years. This country doesn’t value education. As everyone experiences it, they believe they know the system and teachers so slate it as they wish. I’m 10+ years in. I’d love to leave.

The sort of situations OP described regularly happened when I first started teaching back in 2004. Never now. Schools are stricter IMO.

@Smileyaxolotl1 thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts in answer to my question, they are very informative. Thank you OP, @HamishDent and @CaptainBrickbeard for your insights too. I read them to my DM last night who is a retired teacher, she found it all very interesting if also worrying!

@ChloeDecker

Well I have not been on the receiving end of abuse like that, nor have I heard it of any of my colleagues, in the ten years I have been at my present school.

Okay, so in one school it doesn’t happen. Ever. That’s great and I sincerely hope there are more schools like that.
The OP and others are right though that one school doesn’t necessarily translate into ‘most schools’. The problem is there sadly.

My point is that it may be the case that it happens a lot in some schools, but the OP was suggesting that many parents don't know it's happening in their child's school, as if it applies to all schools.

I'm also only talking primary, because the OP was referring to her experience in primary schools; I'm sure it is far more common in secondary schools.